Lote Tuqiri likely to miss up to four months

Tuqiri underwent a second round of arm surgery on Tuesday following constant monitoring and regular scans by his surgeon. Tuqiri suffered a broken left upper arm against the Bulldogs in round 18 last season.

Whilst there was new bone growth, unfortunately it is still not bridging the gap caused by the initial injury.

Following the most recent consultation with the surgeon, a decision was made for Tuqiri to have further surgery which included removing the rod that was originally inserted. He underwent bone grafts and had two plates inserted on Tuesday.

Wests Tigers Coach Mick Potter said the setback was extremely disappointing news for all concerned.

"Lote has worked hard in pre-season training. He was doing all the fitness work but hasn't been able to get a clearance from the surgeon to do any contact work,'' Potter said.

"We will do everything we can to support his rehabilitation and our main priority is to ensure that he fully recovers.